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Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Announces $35 Million Investment to Revitalize America’s Small Shipyards

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 Thanks to President Trump, MARAD’s Small Shipyard Grant program received a 200% increase in funding for 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced today that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) will invest $35 million into revitalizing America’s small shipyards.

The investment will go toward:

• Upgrading ship repair and construction facilities
• Purchasing new equipment, including cranes, plasma cutters, and welding systems
• Bolstering maritime training programs to supercharge the maritime workforce “This 200% increase in shipyard investments underscores President Trump’s commitment to restoring America’s maritime dominance strategy. Revitalizing this once great industry enhances our national security, reshores good paying jobs, and ensures goods get to where they need to go affordably,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.

“Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Duffy, the maritime industry is getting the resources it needs to restore U.S. strength on the seas,” said MARAD Administrator Stephen M. Carme l. “This $35 million investment will empower our domestic maritime industry to modernize facilities, foster competitive operations, and equip the American worker with the skills needed to restore our nation's maritime dominance.”

President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Sean P. Duffy are committed to restoring U.S. maritime dominance. As such, the criteria for this grant program includes prioritizing projects that incorporate innovative technology.

Additional Information:

Since 2008, MARAD's Small Shipyard Grant Program has awarded 382 grants for $320.5 million. These funds equip American shipyards with the tools they need to build American ships.

Eligible shipyards must be in a single geographic location and may not have more than 1,200 production employees. Eligible shipyards must construct, repair, or reconfigure vessels 40 feet in length or greater for commercial or government use, or construct, repair, or reconfigure vessels 100 feet in length or greater for non-commercial vessels.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines the application criteria. Applicants are encouraged to submit eligible projects as soon as possible but must do so by May 11, 2026.